Common Pawpaw is the northernmost New World representative of a chiefly tropical family, which includes the popular tropical fruits Annona, Custard-apple, Sugar-apple, and Soursop. The wild fruit was once harvested, but the supply has now decreased greatly due to the clearing of forests. The small crop is generally consumed only by wildlife, such as opossums, squirrels, raccoons, and birds. Attempts have been made to cultivate Common Pawpaw as a fruit tree. First recorded by the DeSoto expedition in the lower Mississippi Valley in 1541. The name Common Pawpaw is from the Arawakan name of Papaya, an unrelated tropical American fruit.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade Soil Moisture: Moist CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium Soil Description: Rich, moist, slightly acid soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay Conditions Comments: This is a good understory tree. No serious disease or insect problems. The fruit can create a mess on sidewalks and patios, but this can be minimized by planting only one tree; pawpaws seldom set much fruit without cross pollination.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Understory tree, Aromatic, Fall conspicuous Use Wildlife: Small mammals relish the fragrant fruit which tastes banana-like. Fruit-mammals, Fruit-birds. Use Food: First Nations People and European settlers have long used the fruit as food. First Nations People used the fruit fresh and made it into cakes and sauces, or dried and used it as winter food. Some people reportedly develop contact dermatitis after frequent exposure to the fruits. (Athenic) EDIBLE PARTS: Raw berries (fruits) in small quantity. The fruits generally fall to the ground before they are ripe and therefore must be ripened at home. Ripen outdoors -- the smell is overpowering. The fruit is ripe when the skin turns brown. The fruit can be eaten raw, cutting them in half like an avocado, removing the large oblong seeds and sprinkling with lemon juice. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.) Warning: The fruit, though edible, can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. POISONOUS PARTS: Fruit, leaves. Skin irritation when handling fruit; low toxicity when ingested. Fruit edible but some symptoms might include severe stomach and intestinal pain for some people. Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Birds , Butterflies

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Propagation

Description: Trees are easily grown from scarified/stratified seed. Fall sow in a shady location. Some sources say seed is the only method of propagation while other say increase is possible by root cuttings or layering. Seed Collection:Fruit often drops from tree while still hard, green and sour. These fruits can be stored in single layers on trays until pulp begins to soften. Remove seeds and air dry before storing. Seed Treatment: Follow scarification with a 60-90 day stratification at 41 degrees. Commercially Avail: yes

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